How we collect texting consent

YouBuyCars only texts people who chose to hear from us. There are exactly three ways that choice can happen, and every one of them is recorded before the first message is sent. This page documents each path in full — including the in-person one — so anyone, including mobile carriers reviewing our messaging program, can verify how consent is obtained.

1. The website form

Our home page has an inquiry form with an SMS consent checkbox. The box is unchecked by default, is never required — the form submits fine without it, and an unticked box means no texts, period — and sits directly beside the full disclosure: what messages are about, that consent is not a condition of purchase, that message and data rates may apply, that frequency varies, and that STOP opts out. We store the checkbox state, the consent language shown, and the timestamp with the inquiry.

2. Texting us first

Anyone can text START — or any message — to (313) 546-8313. A person who starts a conversation is consenting to receive our replies about it. The number and the disclosure are published on the home page. Replying STOP at any time ends the conversation immediately and is honored automatically — no human in the loop, no exceptions.

3. In person or on a call

Car sales happens face to face. When a customer at the dealership or on the phone wants updates by text, the salesperson asks for consent using this script, word for word:

“Is it okay if I text you at this number about your vehicle, appointments, and follow-ups? Texting is optional — it's never a condition of buying a car. Message and data rates may apply, message frequency varies, and you can reply STOP at any time to stop, or HELP for help.”

Only if the customer says yes does the salesperson record the consent in our customer system, and the record carries:

• the customer's name and mobile number,
• the date and time consent was given,
• the method — verbal, in person or verbal, on a call,
• the name of the salesperson who took it, attached permanently.

This isn't a policy that relies on memory — it's enforced by software. Our messaging system refuses to send a text to any number that has no consent record, no matter who is typing, and a STOP reply from any customer blocks all further messages instantly and permanently until they opt back in with START.

What every path has in common

• Consent is never a condition of buying a vehicle.
• Message frequency varies; message and data rates may apply.
• Reply STOP at any time to opt out, HELP for help.
• Mobile numbers and SMS consent are never sold, rented, or shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing — Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions.

Questions about this program? Contact hello@youbuycars.com.